On Friday, June 3, 2011, Cook County Law Enforcement received a call at 3:15 p.m., reporting that a bicyclist had been hit by a tow truck pulling a travel trailer that did not stop.
According to witnesses—the passing motorcyclist who made the 911 call and two other bicyclists—Julie Elizabeth Hull, 39, Farmington, MN, was traveling north on the Gunflint Trail near County Road 52, with a number of other bicycles on the Gunflint Trail when she was struck by a tow truck pulling a travel trailer. A member of the biking party told a Cook County Sheriff deputy that the bicycle group was riding on the fog line when the truck passed them, straddling the centerline. He said when a car approached in the oncoming lane, the truck moved back “too soon” and the camper struck Hull in the shoulder and head, knocking her off her bicycle onto the gravel shoulder. The truck did not stop and witnesses did not get a license plate number, but were able to describe the truck and trailer.
Cook County First Responders and Cook County Ambulance responded and were at the scene by 3:25 p.m. and Hull was transported to North Shore Hospital. Hull was examined and showed no sign of concussion or broken bones, however, she had abrasions on her left leg, shoulder, and both elbows. She was wearing a helmet.
It was determined that the tow truck was being driven by Stanley Wayne Nelson, 77, Tofte and sheriff deputies located and spoke with him on Hungry Jack Road. Nelson acknowledged passing a group of bicyclists and stated they were taking up most of the road. He told deputies that when he was passing he saw one bicyclist “turn into his trailer and fall over into the shoulder of the road.” Nelson said he stopped around the corner but believed no one was hurt so he continued on his way. Nelson submitted to a portable breath test and it registered 0.00.
County Attorney Tim Scannell said charges might be filed. Possible charges are careless driving, criminal vehicular injury, and leaving the scene of the accident. A request for examination of driver was filed, which means Nelson’s driving abilities will be evaluated.
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